The longest river in Samar is not only long but is also a powerful symbol of transformation that was once a logging route and has now transformed into a thriving ecotourism destination.
From the 1970s to early 2000s, the Ulot River served as a strategic distribution channel for illegal logging. Its strong current and 90-kilometer length which is the longest in Samar and made it ideal for transporting thousands of felled logs downstream. Logging operations persisted despite government restrictions, contributing to widespread deforestation and threatening the biodiversity of the surrounding forests.
In 2003, the Philippine government established the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP) is the country’s largest terrestrial protected area at 333,000 hectares, fully encompassing the Ulot River. This marked a critical shift: from exploitation to protection. Logging was banned, and the river’s ecological and cultural value began to take center stage.
In 2008, former loggers and local stakeholders formed TORPEDO (Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization). They repurposed the same torpedo-shaped boats once used for log transport into vessels for adventure tourism, launching the now-famous Torpedo Extreme Boat Adventure. This initiative provided sustainable livelihoods for locals and won national recognition in 2017 as the Best Community-Based Ecotourism Enterprise.
TORPEDO Adventure? Unsa na?
TORPEDO stands for Tenani Boat Operators for River Protection and Environmental Development Organization. It’s a community-led initiative that transformed former illegal loggers into river guardians and adventure guides. The ride takes you through a 10-kilometer stretch of the Ulot River, nestled within the Samar Island Natural Park—the largest protected area in the Philippines.
Samar Island Natural Park
A biodiversity hotspot, SINP is home to over 1,000 species of flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Philippine eagle, and six forest types including lowland evergreen and montane forests. Towering trees, limestone karsts, and crystal-clear waters create a breathtaking backdrop. What was once an illegal logging site is now a model of sustainable tourism, where the community thrives through conservation and ecotourism.
Boat type: Narrow, torpedo-shaped wooden boats with no outriggers, designed to slice through rapids. It takes about 2 hours round trip (1 hour downstream, 1 hour upstream. Thrill level: Class II–III rapids which are moderately challenging, with exciting twists, drops, and whirlpools. Highlight: Deni’s Point, where you can cliff-jump into the river and get swept by the current (don’t worry, you’ll be wearing a life vest).
Bring quick-dry clothes, aqua shoes, towel, and a change of clothes. Use a waterproof bag or dry pouch for valuables. Don’t forget sunscreen, snacks, and water. Life vests and helmets are provided on-site, so you’re covered on safety gear.
Why It Matters?
This is more than an exhilarating ride as it’s a story of community-based conservation. Through the Tenani Association for Women and Development (TAWAD), the TORPEDO initiative has empowered communities, particularly women, and contributed to the preservation of over 450,000 hectares of forest.
How to Get There?
Exact Location: Sitio Camp Uno, Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar
- By Commute: From Tacloban City, ride a van or bus bound for Catbalogan. From Catbalogan terminal, ride a jeepney or van going to Paranas and ask to be dropped at Barangay Tenani or Ulot Bridge. From the Paranas town proper, take a tricycle or habal-habal to Sitio Camp Uno, Brgy Tenani. This is the jump off point for the TORPEDO boat ride.
- By Car: From Tacloban City, take the Maharlika Highway (AH26) north toward Catbalogan City. At Buray Junction, turn left onto the Taft-Paranas Road. Follow signs to Brgy. Tenani or Ulot River Eco-Tourism Center. You can look for a common reference point for the TORPEDO ride or SINP Tourism Center which has a registration booth, briefing area, and parking.
